MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE THERAPY - MLD
Light Touch. Relaxing. Holistic Effect.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapy is a light,
skin-stretching massage that encourages the movement of lymph flow
around the body and drainage of lymph nodes. The fluid in the lymphatic
system helps remove waste and toxins from body tissues along with
delivering necessary nutrients. It clears away bacteria, cell debris, excess
water, and collects proteins and waste that are too large to return back
to the bloodstream. MLD relieves swelling that happens during and after medical treatment, illness, trauma, or surgery and can block your lymphatic system. The benefits of a lymphatic massage is to purposely and directionally move the lymph to increase circulation, detoxify the body and restoring muscle function by decongesting the tissue.
HOW WAS MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE MASSAGE DISCOVERED?
Emil Vodder PhD and his wife, Estrid Vodder, ND in the 1930’s developed the original method of Manual Lymph Drainage. Dr. Vodder discovered Lymphatic Drainage Therapy while working in France with patients who suffered from congested lymph nodes. When he applied the light manual pressure to his patients’ lymph nodes, it helped push lymph fluid throughout the body. Patients had a significant improvement in their well-being along with resulting in a reduction in swelling.
When Dr. Vodder and his wife examined the lymph fluid, they discovered the lymphatic system played a crucial role in the body’s immune system. This realization led
them to develop a specific technique to promote optimal lymphatic health.
They developed a precise sequence of light manual massages of the lymph
nodes to improve the flow of lymph fluid throughout the entire body.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE THERAPY?
Lymphatic drainage therapy is a stimulating massage your body is craving. The benefits are extensive that promotes the transport and removal of stagnant fluids, but it also:
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Accelerates healing from surgery/injuries (hematomas, sprains, etc.)
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Stimulates blood circulation and tissue regeneration
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Improves the immune system due to the elimination of toxins
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Promotes body and mental relaxation
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Provides an overall lightness in the body
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Reduces swelling and water retention
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Directs and increases lymphatic flow, promoting faster removal of excess interstitial fluid
Many individuals report improvements in symptoms including energy, focus, reduced puffiness, and mood.
HOW WOULD SOMEONE KNOW IF THEIR LYMPHATIC SYSTEM IS STRUGGLING OR SLUGGISH?
A sluggish lymphatic system can cause a number of symptoms, including:
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Swelling: In the hands, fingers, arms, legs. This can be accompanied by a feeling of heaviness or pain.
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Chronic Fatigue: You might feel tired and weak even after getting enough sleep.
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​Sense of Brain Fog: You might experience brain fog or have trouble thinking clearly.
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Swollen lymph nodes: You might notice swollen lymph nodes in your neck, armpits, groin, other areas.
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​Muscle/Joint Pain: You might notice an increase in aches within muscles or joints.
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Headaches: There may be a noticeable increase in the intensity or occurrence of headaches.
A sluggish lymphatic system can be caused by a number of things, including a sedentary lifestyle, surgery, infection, trauma, or diseases like cancer.
The treatment of lymphedema focuses on reducing the fluid accumulation in the affect limb and preventing complications using Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy (DLT). Specialized lymphedema therapists can teach you about techniques and equipment that can help reduce lymphedema swelling.
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MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE: Moves the trapped fluid in the swollen limb toward an area with working lymph vessels.
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COMPRESSION GARMENTS: Gradient compression that encourages lymph fluid drainage throughout the affect area.
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SEQUENTIAL PNEUMATIC COMPRESSION: Intermittent pump inflates the sleeve, moving lymph fluid away from limb.
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EXERCISES: Contraction of the muscles in the arm or leg can help move the excess fluid out of the swollen limb.
TYPES OF LYMPHEDEMA:
SYMPTOMS OF LYMPHEDEMA:
CAUSES OF LYMPHEDEMA:
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Lymph Node Removal
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Mastectomy
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Lumpectomy
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Traumatic Injury
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Genetics
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Accidental Bacterial Infection
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Noticeable Build-Up of Lymphatic Fluid
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Swelling of Extremities: Arm, Leg, etc.
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Feeling of Heaviness in a Limb
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Comfort in an Arm or Leg
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Decrease in Flexibility of a Joint
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Change in Skin Appearance
Primary Lymphedema
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Either inherited at birth or is developed when the lymphatic system doesn’t develop properly.
Secondary Lymphedema
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Caused by trauma to the lymphatic system resulting in blockage of lymphatic flow.
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Most often caused by the damage to or removal of lymph nodes due to cancer treatments.
While lymphatic drainage massage is generally safe, it's not recommended for people with certain conditions, including:
Heart conditions (Congestive Heart Failure) / Kidney failure / Blood clots / Infections / Skin Infection (Cellulitis)
Doctor's Note Required: Inflammation of the Lymph Nodes / Acute Cancer Diagnosis
To continue offering the best care, my rates have been updated as of March 15, 2025.
I’ve also transitioned to a no-tipping model, allowing you to fully relax and enjoy your session without any extra steps.
Thank you for your trust and support—I look forward to continuing your wellness journey with you.
120 MINUTES
Conditions may elicit treatment to include a full-body treatment which can only be successfully addressed in a full 120-minute session. This may also be the indicated treatment time for a lymphatic that has endured a higher level of traumatic events or one that has been blocked for a longer time period.
$210
